About Us

On May 27, 2014, the City Council of Peoria, Illinois, unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Peoria Sister City Commission to extend an offer to establish a Sister City Partnership with Aytou, Lebanon.  It recognizes the historical connection of our two cities through over a century of immigration from Aytou to Peoria and the significant contributions of its descendants.

This Partnership will develop close and continuing ties of friendship between the citizens of both cities through cultural, political, economic, and personal exchanges.

The Sister City Relationship will help to develop greater understanding and friendship between the American and Lebanese people.  It will also strengthen an international sense of responsibility for the maintenance of peace on earth among all nations and their people.

This agreement of continuing friendship and mutual respect and cooperation between the citizens of the City of Peoria and the Village of Aytou is documented in Peoria, Illinois, on this 6th day of July 2014, by the signatures of the Mayors of both cities.

Ramone Alwan, Mayor

Village of Aytou, Republic of Lebanon

Jim Ardis, Mayor

City of Peoria, Illinois, United States of America